Female Reproductive System

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Gametes Noun

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[gam-eets]

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Gametes

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A mature sexual reproductive cell, like a sperm or egg, that can unite with another to form a zygote.

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Example: This image shows the two types of gametes, or reproductive cells: the sperm (male gamete) and the ovum (female gamete).

Front

Ova Noun

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[oh-vuh]

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Ova

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The female reproductive cells, also known as eggs, which are produced and stored within the female ovaries.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of a human ovum (egg cell), labeling its key parts like the nucleus, cytoplasm, and protective outer layers.

Front

Ovaries Noun

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[oh-vuh-reez]

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Ovaries

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The pair of female reproductive organs that store ova and produce essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone for reproduction.

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Example: This diagram shows the ovaries, where eggs are produced, located on either side of the uterus within the female reproductive system.

Front

Fallopian Tubes Noun

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[fuh-loh-pee-uhn toobz]

Back

Fallopian Tubes

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A pair of tubes through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus, and where fertilization usually occurs.

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Example: This diagram shows the Fallopian tubes are the two thin tubes that connect the ovaries, where eggs are stored, to the uterus.

Front

Uterus Noun

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[yoo-ter-uhs]

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Uterus

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A muscular, hollow organ where a fertilized egg implants, is nourished, and develops into a fetus during pregnancy.

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Example: This diagram shows the uterus, a pear-shaped organ, and its location within the female reproductive system, connected to the fallopian tubes and cervix.

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Endometrium Noun

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[en-doh-mee-tree-uhm]

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Endometrium

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The mucous membrane lining the uterus, which thickens during the menstrual cycle to prepare for possible embryo implantation.

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Example: This diagram shows the female reproductive system and highlights the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus where a fertilized egg implants.

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Cervix Noun

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[sur-viks]

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Cervix

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The narrow, lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina and dilates during childbirth.

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Example: This diagram shows the cervix is the lower, narrow part of the womb (uterus) that connects to the top of the vagina.

Front

Vulva Noun

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[vuhl-vuh]

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Vulva

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The collective term for the external female genitalia, which includes the labia, clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.

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Example: This diagram shows the external parts of the female reproductive system, collectively called the vulva, including the labia, clitoris, and urethral opening.

Front

Fertilization Noun

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[fur-til-eye-zay-shun]

Back

Fertilization

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The fusion of a male gamete (sperm) with a female gamete (ovum) to form a zygote, initiating development.

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Example: This image shows fertilization, the process where a male sperm cell swims towards and fuses with a female egg cell (ovum) to begin development.

Front

Implantation Noun

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[im-plan-tay-shun]

Back

Implantation

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The process where a developing embryo attaches to the uterine wall, establishing the beginning of a pregnancy.

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Example: This diagram shows how a fertilized egg develops and travels down the fallopian tube to become a blastocyst, which then attaches to the uterine wall.